Black Crow Coffee is St. Petersburg’s finest gathering place for artists, writers, musicians and anyone looking for an artistic haven around the corner. Here, you can tinker on the piano or pull a guitar off the wall and give it a play without any side-eye or shushing.
And that’s not to say it’s a noisy place! Contrarily, busy writers find Black Crow a perfect place to relax and power through content in a conducive environment. It’s like visiting a home away from home, with all the same charm and comfort.
Located at 722 2nd St. N., tucked in a cozy plaza with Old Northeast Tavern and Pizza, Black Crow is easily overlooked from the street. However, stopping in proves that this inspired little coffee shop deserves a lot more attention from passersby.
Owners Greg Bauman and Deana Hawk provide more than a delightful brew and a comfortable spot to crash while you sip. Black Crow is a warm, accepting space where welcoming and familiar faces abound.
“At Black Crow,” Hawk explains, “we truly strive to make this space a place for everyone— to exchange ideas, to create and be inspired, to become more connected with their city, or to simply enjoy a great cup of coffee. We have young street artists, authors, photographers, artisan bakers, performers of all kinds, come in and share their kindness, lives and talents with us. It’s been truly incredible to experience art so personally in an environment of collaboration and support.”
More than a mecca for creatives, Black Crow nourishes the St. Pete art scene by hosting public events where locals mingle and socialize over unique entertainment.
Art Shows
When: Every 1st Saturday, 7pm
Hawk said: “A great way to experience the artistic magic that occurs at Crow is to come out at 7pm on the first Saturday of every month to meet the new artist (or artists) of the month. We try to offer diverse art each month so that our walls are constantly coming to life in new ways. We have had diorama zines, film and underwater photographers, screen printers, acrylic and collage artists, sculpturists––even live art!”
Poetry Readings
When: Every 3rd Thursday, 7pm
Hawk said: “Our poetry open mic events happen every third Thursday monthly, and draw small and large crowds alike. With an intimate vulnerability given a platform, we encourage poets of any level to read aloud–– original or cover pieces. These nights are magical. Whether as a reader or a listener, you walk away with something to mull over.”
Open Mic Nights
When: Every 3rd Saturday, 7pm
Hawk said: “Music open mic nights at Black Crow were inspired by the musical open mics of our other coffee shop, Indian Shores Coffee. We have had people of every age, experience level, instrument and style come in and grace us with their skills. These nights are hosted by our own talented barista Matthew, who is one half of the musical duo, Blestian.”
Community Support
Beyond the Shops Beyond their consistent contributions to the artists of St. Pete, both at Black Crow Coffee and their sister shop Indian Shores Coffee, Bauman and Hawk give generously to the local community. For starters, they roast their coffee locally in the Grand Central District, and donate a dollar for every pound they sell to the local chapter of ACLU, as well as other charities.
According to Hawk: “Black Crow has offered us an amazing way to reach out to the community beyond our coffee shop doors. We have sponsored countless community events such as Don’t Stop St. Pete, Et Cultura Music Festival, Creative Mornings St. Pete, and Bike to Work day. Events are a wonderful way to partake in the collective creative power of our city! We have also been able to partner with and help support many incredible local organizations, such as Edible Peace Patch, Keep St. Pete Lit, St. Pete Women’s Collective, St. Pete Free Clinic, St. Pete Bike Co-op, and many more.”
If you ask them what they think makes St. Pete such an incredible city––Bauman and Hawk will tell you it’s the people. They prove it by working hard to provide everyone a welcoming, creative environment, one without judgment or apprehension.
Hawk affirmed, “We believe deeply that at the heart of success is selfless giving––giving to our community in a way that fosters sharing our passions of the arts, music and life with one another over a great cup of coffee.”
Black Crow Coffee is located at 722 2nd St. N. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.blackcrowcoffeeco.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blackcrowcoffeeco/.
